The 38 Special - Still good for Self-Defense?

I think the .38 Special, and revolvers in general, are still a good choice for self-defense. You must choose the right ammunition, train yourself in the effective use of a wheel gun and make your 5 or 6 shots count. But, if you do those things, a .38 can save your bacon.

[@hickok45]

Really enjoying your videos!

[@AMXSShirt]

He’s one of the good guys from IL sir. We discovered we were practically neighbors, until I moved to MO recently. Thanks for what folks like both of you do. Best

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Means a lot coming from you, sir. Thanks!

[@AMXSShirt]

@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb agree! 👍

[@sammcrae8892]

Howdy Hickock45!

[@rmax2]

The .38 Special has helped people take dirt naps since 1898 and still a very viable cartridge.. 👍

[@janmale7767]

'Dirt nap'...that is a l......oo.ng nap for sure! 🤣🤣🤣😭

[@markshea405]

I'm an old fart with a 4 inch Colt Diamondback 38 in my night table and a box of Win +P's. I sleep very soundly at night.

[@richvest7212]

The average concealed carrier is not fighting a war, more than adequate

[@Barry287]

As an aviator, I carried a S&W Model 10 .38 spc in the Army until I got out in 1992. Loved that gun. My off duty / EDC has been a J-frame .38 snubby for 30 years. I still carry it today.

[@coonplatoon]

That’s pretty cool, man. Something special about the SW 10. I’ve the victory model myself

[@Razor-gx2dq]

New smith and wesson airweight came out during shot show, and people were going crazy about it. Id say .38 revolvers are still very popular.

[@Kinetic.44]

The high percentage of one shots stops is due to the cops actually slowing down a bit and putting the bullet there it needs to go, because they know they have to make every shot count with limited capacity.

[@joeacp4525]

It also has to do with the departments having more days in a year to qual or train with your service weapon. When I first started "old timers" said they used to be shoot monthly... then it was quarterly... then it became once a year. You get political hire chiefs that basically believe "it won't happen here" and look how much money we save by not having waste money on shooting so often. There is failure to train on mind numbing levels

[@dothedewinme]

@@joeacp4525shit man… I train weekly just for fun and I’m a civilian. I couldn’t imagine only firing my weapons 4 time or once a damn year if I potentially may to use it for my JOB. Sheesh

[@ftdefiance1]

In the late 80's CID (Criminal Investigation Division) and aviators carried. 38's. After Ileft the Army I was issued a Smith 64 by Phoenix AZ. Today as a citizen I carry a 642. THANKS

[@roykiefer7713]

Dick, thank you for this excellent video. FWIW, I’ll offer my - not to indicate this is universal wisdom - suggested .38 Special snubbie solution . . . as well as my rationale for it: 1. I often carry a stainless Ruger SP-101, with a 2.25 inch barrel, and chambered for .357 magnums. Of course, this is a larger, a heavier and a far more robust snubbie than a Smith J Frame, but it’s not prohibitively large/heavy, and the extra .375 inch barrel provides somewhat enhanced velocity and increased sight radius. In addition, SP-101’s (especially those chambered for magnums) are truly a superb quality, tank-like-tough design, with superior accuracy, reliability and durability. 2. I load this SP-101 with Buffalo Bore, 158 grain, .38 Special +P, lead semi-wadcutter hollow points. These projectiles are made of a lead alloy that is very soft and therefore that promotes comparatively great expansion. In addition, this round includes a gas check, which essentially eliminates lead fouling in the barrel’s lands and groves. As we’ve come to expect from Buffalo Bore, this is a stout round - however, in the SP-101 the recoil is far more manageable than it would be in a J Frame - and basically it performs like a “.357 magnum light.” At 77, with 60+ years of shooting experiences, I’m a fudd. But I don’t want or need to be responsible for a fusillade of bullets down range AND my SP-101 loaded with the foregoing Buffalo Bore ammunition is more than adequate for the vast majority lawful defense scenarios. “Only hits count,” as LtCol Cooper and President Theodore Roosevelt would remind us.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

You have earned the right to carry what you want and your combination of revolver and load is first class!

[@thomasholohan4090]

The S&W 640 weighs almost 23 oz. whereas the SP 101 is about 3 oz. heavier. Still, the Smith is comfortable for me with 357 mag rounds - for 10-15 shots. For nearly all 38 spcl rounds, there are no problems. Airweights are for wadcutters.

[@classicgunstoday1972]

I recently did a video testing Remington .357 Mag 125 gr SJHP, the Remington .38 Spl+P 158 gr LHP and your old Illinois State Police load the Federal 115 gr 9BPLE+p+ JHP. They all did great, but the one that impressed me the most of those three was the 158 gr LHP. Tore through a jack o lantern with a waterbag, a plastic quart of water bottle and went deep into the wet cushion towel bullet stop and expanded very well. My dad turned me to the plain jane .38 Special 4 inch service revolver 20 years ago. I found it a great gun. A Colt Official Police and S&W M15. Dad has a tapered M10 himself.

[@DanTheWolfman]

I commented on your video, but Look at the OFFICIAL FBI DATA I have on each caliber just did a video on .38...specifically of the 158's the Remington was amazing there

[@possumpopper89]

The old +p FBI load is a great round. I worked up a standard load using a 146 gr lead hollow point that expands well and penetrates 12-14 inches in clear gel, basically duplicating the 9mm 147 loads. It’s great for the recoil sensitive folks.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Works just as well in 2 inch barrels, a timeless load.

[@oldcop18]

I used the FBI load in a confrontation w/a hostage taker & it did the job. I reloaded the Colt Detective Special under fire w/a speedloader. The little Colt had a longer ejection rod and kicked out the empty brass w/o any sticking problems.

[@MegaAppleshit]

What bullet do you use for that load? Im a handloader and am quite curious when I hear about a standard pressure 38 specia that expande and penetrates adequately!

[@possumpopper89]

@@MegaAppleshit gt bullets

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

@@MegaAppleshit The bullets need to be REALLY soft, almost pure lead. Both Hornady and Speer sell swaged lead bullets that are very soft and both of them offer a 158 gr lead semi-wadcutter hollow point. They might be a special order item, but I think they are the best bet for duplicating the factory loaded ammo.

[@bluesoverlord]

Python 3” in a Miami for me in winter when I want to be stylish. A cool cucumber with a six gun is better than spray-n-pray thug.

[@Kinetic.44]

If im wearing a coat I'll carry a snub in my pocket, no holster. In most interpersonal profit motive crimes the threat will be within 3 yard, and at that range I can hit a 5 inch target without taking my hand out of the pocket. My hand will most likely already have a full firing grip on the gun as they initiate contact..

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Any man carrying a Python has class, even the new ones.

[@carlosmorris4510]

And this is something that a lot of people don't consider, seemingly: we're responsible for every shot fired... Spray & pray sounds desperate & dangerous! 😨 I know I wouldn't wanna answer to an innocent civilian accidentally getting shot.

[@Dgoff11]

We're waiting for that 327 Federal magnum review!!!

[@dex5417]

38 is what I always carry, it seems to still put a hole in what it shoots at.

[@KhanTrav]

Great content. I am one of the old dudes that his first duty weapon was a revolver. We had brown uniforms, wheelguns and filing cabinets. Times have changed but I have noticed an increase in interest in revolvers.

[@richvest7212]

I'm old Old technology still works 😅

[@craigbenz4835]

I've settled on the 38 Special 158 gr. +P LSWCHP from Remington for my needs.

[@jimc4267]

If you have a speed loader, the “slower reloads” point is invalid.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

LOVE THESE VIDEOS!!!! I 💙 my j-frames and Colt Detective special. When I first started as a brand new cop, for our 2” AIRWEIGHT back-up guns we were issued a Remington 95gr sjhp round. It was crap garbage. For .38 duty revolvers out of a 4”bbl and steel framed 2” guns, we were issued that junk “Treasury load” (Federal 110gr +P+ sjhp). But then soon quickly transitioned to Beretta 92’s and the .38’s went away, except for the 2” back-up guns. The department also dumped that crap 95gr round and told everyone to use the Treasury load for 2” back up guns. One day, the powers that be then switched to the Speer gold dot 125gr +P JHP. Then Speer changed the load to a 135gr bullet and also in a +P loading. Both are garbage performers out of a 2” wheel gun. To this day, my former employer continues to issue that 135gr Gold Dot. I think id rather have been allowed to carry the 158gr swchp. Now retired, I still have unopened boxes of the Gold dots and haven’t switched the ammo in my 2” wheel guns yet.

[@dinodan4478]

Very thorough; appreciate it.

[@kaytod]

Thanks again. Love the series.

[@moreme40]

Another great, informative video

[@robpayne183]

Another great video!

[@primealien]

Thanks Mr F. For more great information!

[@michaellavaughnrobinson]

Appreciate the presentation

[@keithgraham9547]

For the recoil-sensitive, concerned strictly about muggers or such, I think a 38 Special with 110 grain low-recoil loads are good. They perform fine versus the human body, and no one wants shot with anything. Three shots will discourage 95%+ of perps.

[@rodgerhoffman307]

Excellent worek! tHANK YOU

[@mfaracing]

Fantastic video. Very informative!

[@garysmith3913]

Excellent, informative video.

[@jwgbmp40]

This has been a really great series. Thanks for putting it together.

[@raymondkoehler9299]

Again great job .

[@callaseter4811]

Thanks for what you do sir . Keep ‘em coming please! 😄🙏💕

[@richvest7212]

Thanks for being sensible, I agree 👍

[@HACKDAD34]

Keep’em coming. I stop whatever I’m doing at the time to watch these.

[@JohnTBlock]

I used to load the backwards wad-cutters for an M-49 Smith J frame, leave the base outside the case, and use a Lee case deburring tool to put a bit of champher on the "nose", to ease clambering. 5 gr. of Unique, and standard primer, very accurate out to the 25 yds. Max at the indoor range... never had access to a crono to get a velocity check...

[@CarolinaRimfire]

Thanks for the video! I've been enjoying this series. I appreciate your opinion on these cartridges, and I always look forward to the next one. Thanks again!

[@reachvictoria3386]

Excellent video. This channel has quickly become one of my favorites for being so informative, with a wealth of knowledge available.

[@vicsage83]

Love the old pics with the theme song, particularly the LE ones

[@kevinramsey3490]

I'm really enjoying these videos Mr. Fairburn. I enjoy everything you put out though. It's much appreciated Sir.

[@scottlawrence6057]

Excellent presentation and instructional quality. I have watched a lot of videos on this topic and this video is a standout! I will continue to follow you. Thanks

[@HBO10-8]

Great round 🇺🇸

[@bigandy2109]

Definitely enjoying these videos , dam sure looking forward to the 357 Mag video , i carried a GP100 alot of years up until recently when average criminal starting carrying glocks with 30 round mags with switches on them

[@45acp2go]

Really enjoyed this video. I am an old retired LE from the 60’s into the 80’s. I can relate to all your info. One in particular was your loading 148 grain hollow base wad cutters. That was my primary carry in 38 snubs and the 158 grain +P lead hollow point in my service revolver. 9’s were issued about 6 months after retirement.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

We did just fine with wheelguns, didn't we?

[@davidmiller8924]

First time here. I carry a j frame model 36. Appreciate the semi wad hp info. Subscribed!

[@jasonaffeldt7838]

I've been enjoying your caliber series. I really like my 642 smith in sticky holster in front pocket to go along with what ever is on my belt. You take care.🇺🇲🔥🌲🔪

[@Mrelindio42]

Another excellent and informative video. I really enjoy your testing knowledge of the various cartridges and their performance. This video took me back to the qualifying line firing at 50 yards, strong hand, five shots, reload, and five more. Standing position, sideways, and weak hand in your pocket. It surprises some of today's shooters that you could actually score really well with that position with a .38 revolver.

[@atoadigi]

Thank you!!! Excellent video, very informative!!!

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Glad you liked it.

[@cdlund2840]

The lead round nose actually did pretty well as first manufactured with soft lead. They hardened the lead later to get better barrier penetration and that is when they really began to have some issues. I use hardcast 150g wadcutters in my 2" barrels since expansion is very iffy in a 2" barrel. You are spot on with the 158 semi wadcutters hollow points as well. Good video, Thanks.

[@robertkwiatkoski1292]

i was under the impression the lead today is harder than the old school ones. thank you.

[@cdlund2840]

Yes it is. @@robertkwiatkoski1292

[@Lattimore336]

This channel is so informative and I always look forward to your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Glad you like them.

[@BrokenBarBox]

Doubletap ammunition offers a multi ball load. Two 70 grain full wadcutter projectiles at standard velocity/pressure might be perfect for an air weight revolver

[@Littlejoda]

Really good job with these videos Mr. Fairburn! Very good detailed information on various topics we are thankful for your knowledge and experience . Thanks for sharing your time and we look forward to the 357 video.

[@Mowkade]

My daily carry is a Smith & Wesson model 36. 1984. 2 inch chief special. Picked it up for $400 absolute mint condition. I don’t think it was ever used. What a beauty. Due to the age and not being plus P rated I’ve decided just to carry standard pressure, Underwood Soft lead black, cherry hollowpoint semi wad cutter.

[@dothedewinme]

Did you mean *mint* condition?

[@oscarpuente2029]

👍 outstanding!! use to carry a 586 sw. for duty. one heavy firearm.

[@tacman2893]

I didn’t get a 9mm semiauto until 1998 when my service changed from a S&W Model 10 shooting the 158 gr SWC HP +P. we had a 5 inch barrel on ours. I still have a few revolvers in the stable but I now carry (on duty) a Glock 45. Great video series. Thanks for doing it!

[@joseedgardotejada100]

Excellent, thank you a lot for this information, I am a long time fan of . 38 for target and range shooting, being shooting 38 since 8 years old and now I'm 50 years old and. 38 revolvers are delicious to shoot, I live in Panamá City, Central América, high crime down here in this parts, but I've always trusted my 38 revolver, now with your video my revolver becomes even more worthy and trustfull as a defense gun

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Glad I could help, stay safe!

[@heathmarcum5390]

I know a federal agent, he was in OIS., working under cover. Carried a smith and wesson Ladysmith 357 mag in a boot, a guy tried to stab him at a kitchen table the guy was around 6'2 and over 220 lbs, he said that lady smith took care of the situation with 1 center mass shot. It wasn't a .38 but that was all I need to know.

[@R.Briley]

In this day and age it's hard to find KZbin videos with a lot of information on revolvers and their ammunitions but they're out there like yours and yours as well presented. I only own Smith & Wesson revolvers, though I am starting to look for the semi-auto soon. In my Smith & Wesson 586-3 4-in barrel I do use the 38 + P semi-wad hollow point. In my model 60 2-in barrel, which I recently purchased brand new a few months ago, I'm using the standard 38 semi-wide hollow point for now. I have to get better with that revolver as it's a little bit more snappy and I want to get more accurate before I move up to the 38 +P for that revolver as well.

[@nonokodog622]

No one thing..The 90 degree angle of the wad cutter, theoretically, should cause a lot of turbulence, especially in viscous fluid. I learned this while studying fluid dynamics in a physics independent study class I took. That's why HVAC vents typically do not make right angles, there's almost always a shallower angle added to the turn.

[@BAmerican]

Good stuff

[@deleteriodeleterio6233]

What a great KZbin Channel! For those who are looking for technical info with easy vocabulary, look no further. Looking forward to watching every single video. Best wishes all the way from Brazil.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thank you!

[@DanTheWolfman]

Very good videos, earned a Sub, and talk a lot of the same things I have been saying. I have vids on each caliber of Official FBI Test Data I found just did .380 then .38, I am doing Meat & Bone Target Ballistics Tests...1st one I did was .38 snub Hydrashok Deep vs UMC sjhp

[@donaldciccarone5519]

I have been enjoying these videos very much. Thanks

[@DrumandPianoDude]

Great video! I've started carrying my 4" S&W Model 64-7 concealed with a pair of Safariland speedloaders, and feel well-armed with it. It conceals just fine, and appreciate its extreme accuracy. I carry my revolver in a bellyband with an IWB holster with a large leather pad, and it distributes the weight beautifully. I can wear it for hours.

[@jason_m_schmidt622]

Just watched a video on Jim Cirillo and the stake out squad.

[@bigal2696]

I just found your videos. And subscribed.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thank you!

[@christhirkell755]

Do a 44 magnum for self defence. Like your content

[@alacharger]

Good video! I regularly carry either a 3" model 10 or a 2" 642, and a couple of speedloaders.

[@permanenceaesthetic6545]

What I wouldn’t give to have a 3” Model 10…

[@brianc9374]

The sw m10 may have been the single most popular handgun world wide during the 20th century.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

That and the almost identical Colt Police Positive made up the bulk of both company's production for many years.

[@randallhardin4551]

Great information,always interested in what the”been there,done that” guys have to say. I’ve carried a two inch colt .38 for a while now,lately I’ve been thinking about switching to one of the fantastic plastics but I’m not interested in the double stack mags, if you don’t mind me asking what particular 9 mm are you carrying? If you do mind it’s cool too.

[@Reaper-cm4jr]

What is often forgot about is the Smith & Wesson .38-44 Heavy duty which came out in 1930 shooting a .38 Special load with a 158gr bullet at 1125fps which is substantially hotter than any +P load today.

[@AMXSShirt]

No issues with .38, but really like the charter arms .32 HR Mag pro 7 shot.

[@panzerdeal8727]

Ever tried SKS stripper clips ? 10 rounds of 38, slide off and load, some spare rounds per clip.

[@vincentmyers7686]

I thought it was very interesting about the lead 158gr hollow points being the top performing load of that study. That is basically the load I use in my 38s for varmints. I cast them with 20:1 alloy, so they are very soft, I use Alliant PowerPistol and get about 1050 fps, bullet weight is a little over 160gr. I was amazed at how much penetration and expansion I got in water jugs! Thanks for the video, I've been enjoying them!

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

If you watch my water jug testing video you can correlate the results almost exactly to what you would see in 10% ordnance gelatin.

[@user-nh8et9kc1m]

I started in corrections and when doing prisoner transport my gun was loaded with 38 SPL hollow points. Later I went to federal law enforcement and was forced to use a bottom feeder. I have nothing against the bottom feeders, especially one with a good red dot optic. I will often carry a .41 Magnum revolver in town with the J Frame 38 SPL as a BUG. Heck, I have a BUG even when I carry a bottom feeder. The 5 shot 38 SPL is a viable round in an easy to conceal package in my opinion and makes a great BUG or a primary in locations that it’s best you are not found armed. Liking your videos and I’ve already subscribed.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thanks for the subscription ... do you carry the .41 concealed or open? What make/model?

[@user-nh8et9kc1m]

@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb, Model 58, concealed and open depending on where I am. In the hotter summer months I’ll switch to a 3” Model 65 or a GP100 in town.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

@@user-nh8et9kc1m I really should have bought me a 58 back in the day, love 'em.

[@theoriginalOSOK]

Hmm I wonder why detractors don't call the 38 Special the .357 short and weak? lol Shot placement and adequate penetration... are the things. Thanks for another great vid.

[@TheRobman139]

Great video. I have and enjoy both revolvers and automatics…but I gotta say I’m a “revolver guy”. I have carry options that include both but more often than anything else, it’s my trusty Charter Arms Undercover (standard weight, not “Lite”) .38 Special snubbie that is on my person, usually accompanied by one speedloader. I go with Federal’s “Hydra Shok Deep” 130 grain +P for carry ammo; not the most powerful but I find it to be very accurate out of my particular revolver. If I want more power I opt for a Ruger SP101 3” with Hornady Critical Duty FTX 135 grain .357 Magnum on board. It’s a handful to shoot and it feels like having a canteen in my pocket, but it still conceals decently and I’m getting better with it from practice. No auto that I know of - that you can stuff in a pocket - delivers a 450 foot pound punch. Just love the strength, reliability, and simplicity of revolvers. They are definitely not obsolete.

[@firestorm8471]

My primary carry weapon is a snub nose .38 spl. It is the weapon that will be pulled first , every time. Simply because I am very accurate and exceedingly Fast On target with it. My rounds are custom loaded by a very small manufacturing group and consist of a pure lead invented hollow bas wadcutter that has been pre stressed with deep internal grooves that look similar to a star head bit. The hollow is then filled with silicone to prevent clogging. They use a duplex powder that I will not mention here but the burn rate is FAST. I must mention though that my backup is a 1911A1 in .45acp

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Sounds like criminals should fear you.

[@firestorm8471]

I will add, I have been shot twice and stabbed once, but I am still here.. that should address your comment.

[@thomasholohan4090]

I shoot an FNP 9M, a Browning BDA 380, a S&W 13 3inch barrel (FBI issue), a S&W 686 plus, and a S&W 640 J-frame. I have found that the S&W 640 has ergonomics such that when I simply point it, the sights are always aligned on target. That is important.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

@@thomasholohan4090 Confidence trumps almost every other factor.

[@64samsky]

I have a model 10, which is a smooth shooter. I picked it up in a pawn shop-gun store about 20 years ago. It's in beautiful shape!

[@lukedemello2077]

One of the best there is!! I love the feel of a k frame!

[@jasonashley4579]

I'd love to have a model 10, I've got a model 15-3 combat masterpiece that stays in my nightstand stoked with FBI load, it'll have to do for now.

[@michaelschaffer9165]

Zeta6 makes 3+3 loaders. Very handy.

[@MegaAppleshit]

They also make 2 + 3 loaders for J frames. They even nest together in the pocket so the bullets dont get damaged and it become a rectangular shape when nested which is much less annoying than a round object in the pocket.

[@HACKDAD34]

I carry a S&W Model 37 Chief’s Special in a Bianchi ankle holster for a back up. I’ve got to find some of those 158gr. LSWCHP. Thanks for the info.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Test those loads in the airweight to make sure the 5th round doesn't move forward and lock up the cylinder. Well crimped JHP loads are recommended in the lightest snubbies.

[@tahertz8544]

38 and all ACP & SPL's have a Exspandtion issues do to low velocity. 380, 38 44 & 45 fail thru clothing barrier consistently.

[@mallninjarising]

doubletap makes some interesting 38/357 ammo

[@forestgrump2168]

A crimson trace laser on the grip is a great addition to these small guns .

[@glennwithnell7070]

Thank you for these reviews. I was not aware of the existence of the 158 grain semi wad cutter hollow point. I will have to add some, Winchester's web site says they still make them. One thing about the reverse hollow base wad cutter was it was extremely inaccurate at any distance. I would not want to attempt to shoot a bad guy holding a loved one hostage even at 30 feet if my revolver was loaded with that round..

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Hmmm, I never really tested the load for accuracy, but they didn't seem to shoot much different than front loaded wadcutters in the ones I fired.

[@user-fz8jl6lb1o]

If that’s the scenario you’re preparing for, you should be carrying a different gun

[@joshuabiddle9637]

Came across your channel when looking at 10mm ammo performance; your video on 10mm was excellent as was this. What a great wealth of knowledge you're sharing.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thank you.

[@davewinter2688]

I haven’t seen 32 H&R Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum included somewhere in this series. Did I miss something? H&R exceeds 38 special +P in velocity and energy with similar bullet weights in equal length barrels. 327 Federal close to 90% of 357 with similar weight bullets with less recoil in similar weight revolvers.

[@davidqualls1766]

A competitive theory concerning the naming of the original .38 cartridges goes back to percussion revolvers. The projectile loaded in .36 revolvers was .375 to enable a tight fit in the cylinder. When seating with the loading lever a small ring of lead is removed reducing the bullet to bore diameter of .36. .375=.38, .36=.355 rounded up or down.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Makes sense.

[@dtcowlick]

Look into Cor-Bon Pow'R Ball ammunition...multi-ball cartridges.

[@travhammer]

It ventilates well. Get an M28 and u can go with a 110gr at(that's my business)1580fps. A mini blitz u might say. Courtesy Sierra.

[@Sgt.7244]

I don’t think you are undergunned with a 2.5”, 3” or 4” K Frame and a J Frame second gun, if you are a revolver officianado! 🇺🇸👮🏻‍♂️👍🏻

[@edgarcruzsr9695]

Absolutely, 4" K 38 spl 158 gr hollow point +p from, Winchester super X. Smooth,powerful, and accurate. You won't get groggy. Oh that's S&W!

[@jimnagel5611]

WHEN I DO CARRY MY TAURUS 3 INCH 38 - IT IS LOADED WITH A 140GR XTP OR A 158 HARD CAST KEITH STYLE BULLET -- BOTH LOADED NEAR THE TOP OF +P LIMITS -- LITTLE EXPANSION BUT BOTH PENETRATE VERY WELL -- ALMOST ALWAYS 14 INCHES OR MORE - THAT IS WHAT MAKES ME COMFY

[@fatbowe]

Well I try Not to go the 7/11 at 3am for ice cream with my 5 shot😂

[@taasch2505]

I sadly live in LA county of all places. I am limited on capacity and choices of firearms. I can also only have 3 on my permit. They are Glock 30SF .45 acp Kahr PM9 9x19mm Taurus 856 UL DAO .38 special +P rated

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Hopefully SCOTUS will eventually end all this unconstitutional BS in states like yours and mine.

[@taasch2505]

@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb we can only hope my friend.

[@SwampOperator]

​@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jbwouldnt have to depend on scotus if law enforcement wasn't spinless coward yes men that do whatever their told despite obvious unconstitutionality

[@callaseter4811]

💕🙏

[@philp2889]

I love the 38 and have carried one for many years - mostly snubs especially over the last 20. My go to load used to be a 158 +p LSWCHP but in about 2010, testing showed the round did not expand from a sub-2” snub when fired through calibrated gel covered in denim. The round went through 32” of gel and hit the backstop hard. I’d still carry it but I think there are better options now.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

That load from the major manufacturers - Winchester, Federal Remington has always performed well in gel and water tests, dating back more than 20 years, in both 4 ich and 2 inch revolvers. I cannot vouch for other makers. I would question the source of your test data or see if another manufacturer loaded the ammo and did not use dead-soft lead, which they should have.

[@philp2889]

@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb the test was done in my presence by a major manufacturer with ammo I provided (Winchester, as I recall) out of my revolver (SW model 36, 2”). I was shocked how it penetrated. I think the denim had a part in that, however.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

@@philp2889 Or the lead alloy changed for some reason.

[@philp2889]

@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb honestly, that seems like it’s the most plausible answer. Also, it was a sample size of only 2 or 3 from the same box of ammo, too.

[@philp2889]

This popped up in my feed and reminded me to look at Lucky Gunner’s gel tests. They used Fed, Rem and Win 158+p LSWHP from a K6s (true 2” vs a Jframe 1.88”). The Fed and Win failed to expand and Rem opened to .4”. Maybe a harder lead mix than older design. I wonder what Chuck Haggard and Mark Fricke would say?

[@jimo391]

Great video! What does the T-Shirt say?

[@jimo391]

I see now. "Because bad shit doesn't happen on a flat range." That's perfect.

[@YellowHammer26]

👍👍just subscribed

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thank you.

[@Bistoink2009]

Interesting and genuinely informative.

[@SteveAubrey1762]

In 1992 my brother shot himself in the head with a .38 special in a .357 magnum revolver. I was the one that found him. It still bothers me what I saw. Dont let anyone tell you a .38 special isnt deadly.

[@5solas743]

Man, I'm sorry to hear about your loss and the experience of finding him in that condition. For me, it was my grandfather. It's a tough thing to experience for sure.

[@drjoya]

New sub (fellow Illinoisian), have a question. At the end of the vid, you mentioned revolvers are more reliable when wet, dirty, or cold. All the keyboard warriors out there say the opposite. Can you please elaborate? I've only been into firearms since 2020 and do not claim to be an expert, am just genuinely curious. For further context, despite all the advice given to me, I landed on my primary being a Ruger SP101 2.25" .357 (loaded with .38P+, pocket carry year round, can draw very quickly, am pretty accurate within 7 yards) with either PX4 Storm or G19 and spare mag as back-up (IWB 2 o'clock, not so easy to get to, especially when driving). I've also become a revolver enthusiast and have purchased many for fun. As for semi-autos, besides PX4 and G19, I only have a Staccato P.

[@markmeador]

From one old fart to another, I have a S&W mod. 60 38 special. I reload 158 grain hard cast wadcutters for mine. No trouble sleeping either.